He spends a lot of time writing about elite wing players being the difference last year.The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy has Kentucky in the No. 1 spot. ESPN has Arkansas No. 1 in its early rankings with Kentucky at No. 7. The 247Sports rankings have Arkansas No. 1 with Kentucky No. 2 — the same prediction that Sports Illustrated has. CBS Sports has John Calipari’s team No. 3 behind UCLA and North Carolina.
“Having Oscar is the difference between Kentucky being preseason No. 1 and a team that will still be very, very good,” DeCourcy said. “With Oscar in the lineup, Kentucky is as good a pick as anyone to win the national championship with what we know about rosters now.”
“There are a lot of unknowns,” DeCourcy said. “If you put Oscar with Sahvir, you have your point guard-post intact for next season. You have young wings (Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston) coming in. Daimion Collins says he is coming back. There is a lot of opportunity there to field a terrific team.”
“What was missing last year for Kentucky were great wings, guys who can guard on the perimeter and also shoot and make shots. (National champion) Kansas has two NBA wings. Kentucky had no one like they did. Next year’s group is supposed to be better and add Oscar to that and Kentucky will not miss a beat. I think they will be good next year even if Oscar is not back, but Kentucky has a chance to be great if Oscar is in the middle.”
Mike DeCourcy says Cats have chance to be great if Oscar Tshiebwe returns
National player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe will decide soon between turning pro or playing another season for Kentucky. (Photo by Vicky Graff)Should Kentucky basketball fans feel better because the way too early polls for the 2022-23www.yoursportsedge.com
We had one. Cal and the kid thought it would be in his best interest to never play even a second of game time. That cost us a real shot at the title.
It was an unforgivable move if he ends up leaving this summer.